Jeffrey Donaldson faces 11 charges including rape | Newstalk

The charges against former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson have been revealed for the first time.
Sunday Life reported the 61-year-old politician faces 11 historical sexual offence charges including rape.
His wife Eleanor Donaldson is charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to her husband’s case.
The charges against the pair will be formally put to them when the case is heard at Newry Magistrates Court for the first time on April 24th.
Belfast-based journalist Amanda Ferguson told Newstalk Breakfast, however, the charges remain“a legally sensitive topic”.
“There may be some changes to the charge sheet,” she said.
“An official breakdown hasn’t been provided yet - you wouldn't usually get that until the first court appearance.
“It's possible that the PPS makes adjustments to the charges that Jeffrey Donaldson faces.”
Following the charges, Mr Donaldson resigned as DUP leader on March 29th. Deputy DUP leader Gavin Robinson was appointed interim leader.
Mr Donaldson is Northern Ireland's longest-standing MP, first elected in 1997, and had been the DUP's leader in the UK House of Commons since 2019.
It is understood he will contest the charges against him, but Ms Ferguson said “the political ramifications of what's unfolded over the Easter week are being felt to this day”.
The DUP following Mr Donaldson
The North South Ministerial Council will take place in Armagh today as ministers from both sides of the Irish border meet to discuss ongoing cooperation between the two governments.
Amid this meeting, Ms Ferguson said the “media operation will be tightly controlled” for those in the DUP.
“It remains to be seen whether Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP will take questions because last week, the DUP were at a very tightly-controlled press conference with only selected media outlets invited,” she said.
Ms Ferguson also noted this will be outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s last official outing as leader of the country before handing the reins to Simon Harris.
“It will also be the first time North South Ministerial Council has been in Armagh since 2016,” she said. “Back when Enda Kenny, Baroness Arlene Foster and the late Martin McGuinness were running the show.”
It is expected ministers today will discuss business, shared infrastructure and cooperation between the two states on the island.
#politics #newstalk #ireland
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[@johnneil4777]

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Another reason why the honours system should be abolished.

[@peterkirk123]

@JacktheFilmFanatic-vu1nk Just like Sir Jimmy Savile ?

[@peterkirk123]

@JacktheFilmFanatic-vu1nk Since becoming aware of vile individuals like Prince Andrew , Lord Archer , Lord Taylor and Sir Jimmy Savile etc etc etc I refuse to acknowledge anyone with a title ! The Monarch and honours system should be abolished .

[@peterkirk123]

@JacktheFilmFanatic-vu1nk PS ask Prince ( he will never be my King ) Charles what his favourite Uncle Lord Mountbatten and favourite religious figure Bishop Peter Ball got up to behind closed doors .....

[@bumberClart1000]

Prison time incoming

[@athelstan927]

@peterkirk123 at least he can defend himself, unlike Saville.. all waited until he was dead!!

[@davidoneill913]

Just when you thought you couldn't dislike the DUP more 🤨

[@ononewheellad]

The Mariah Cahill case didn’t do Sinners many favours either. A lot more in common those 2 parties than not.

[@user-rs4rw6oo3v]

Now we know why he was such a trouble maker. A can of worms has opened up!

[@LoneRanger-qp7ju]

Did you watch Donaldson in the House of Commons nearly crying “I was threatened.” He’ll get more than a threat when he’s inside! 😂

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

On the Republican wing!🇮🇪🤔🤞

[@jeanmullen8327]

Now, are you going to have the guts to talk about your journalistic Paul Connelly????? Is newstalk in on the whole scheme , or was Paul acting alone. It would be better to talk now instead of later.

[@neotropos]

Is Paul Connelly still working for you? Or did you put him up to antagonising the Irish People in the first place? You should be investigated

[@collette6103]

YES!

[@DPK12]

Who is Paul Connelly?

[@Paul-lm6xw]

(​@@DPK12 ( Dirt bag 🎒) that's what he is !

[@CaminoAir]

It seems the usual vocal right wing faction think journalists shouldn't investigate them. Remember this Is the Internet, where there will be dozens of comments endorsing the flakiest, dimmest or most emotionally charged point of view, no matter what ideology or politics is involved.

[@johnos2765]

@@DPK12 Newstalk journalist.

[@shaggy0000]

DUP sinking ship

[@nirish25]

Have you tried contacting Paul Connelly? His phone seems to be off.

[@hartley339]

Yeah ..I have a couple of flags left over from St Patrick's day ,and I was wondering if he was interested in buying them so he could deface them like the turncoat he is ...but no-one can find him .

[@neotropos]

@@hartley339 only type of flags he's interested in is false ones

[@RidireOiche]

He's a unionist, it'd be more surprising if he wasn't. The surprising thing is how the orange aren't suppressing or covering up this story.

[@mliam0709]

Liam Adams

[@klippetyklopweneverstop2721]

William Walker another recent DUP colleague of Jeffrey convicted to.

[@dorkangel1076]

Like how victims of republican abuse were encouraged to keep quiet?

[@colincampbell4261]

How is Gerry Adams uncle doing?

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

How is 'The Fascist Connolly' today? Just asking....

[@RJH1971]

you'd mean the anti-fascist surely ;)

[@Paul-lm6xw]

l@@RJH1971 , 😆 , Paul will get what's coming to the him 💯% ,

[@RJH1971]

@@Paul-lm6xw a pay rise

[@punchy1325]

You reap what you sow

[@anthonyegan59]

Lock him up in the Maze, the republican wing of the Local Jail.

[@Pennyburn1688]

Aye..... You certainly are right up to date with Northern Irish politics... Specialist subject penal systems 🤣😂🤣

[@lextalonis839]

Yes send in the Local Sheriff. I’m assuming AnthonyEgan is from the South. Honestly it’s like a different Country down there….

[@rheazeus123]

The maze? Lol that prison was knocked down years ago..😂😂

[@user-ru7iy1ks2m]

Jeffery the predator.

[@jonsmith1162]

Coolock?

[@taphhedrof1045]

How dare you all call him Jeffrey. Please refer to the Plonker by his proper Title- The Right Honourable Sir Jeffrey. 😂😂

[@TrevorBlair-cq3pk]

Week Jeffrey 😱

[@jackkelly335]

You mean like "Sir James Wilson Vincent Savile OBE KCSG"?

[@taphhedrof1045]

@@jackkelly335yes the same type 😂😂

[@gavinkinsella8808]

The crime of treason is defined by Article 39 of the Constitution of Ireland, adopted in 1937, which states: Treason shall consist only in levying war against the State, or assisting any State or person or inciting or conspiring with any person to levy war against the State,

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

I thonk The Fascist Connolly (Paul Connolly) and maybe newstalk and the British islamists and the Fascist anti Fascists Antifa and the Irish government and state are wageing war against the Irish people thought..what then?

[@thomasdudoso]

Spooks knew about this for a long time... Interesting timing of release 😮

[@albertmccready478]

we dont really know how long they may have known. but you cannot rule out anything

[@ciaran6309]

Why interesting time to release?

[@sinjohnsmyth8301]

Spooks got loads of dirt on the lot of them from Blair to Johnson. That's how they achieve their positions and manage to stay there. If they were straight they wouldn't have got ANYWHERE

[@user-zb7cf3zx1e]

Who is Paul Connolly ? Is he a journalist or is he an agent provacetur smearing people with genuine safety concerns ?

[@patricktracey7424]

how did this continue for so long was he protected either politically or by the Police.

[@amb9176]

Newstalk and Paul Connolly and Antifa???

[@RaulMeatFactory1975]

They have no grass roots.....

[@johnbuggy9121]

We won't hear anything about that.

[@benkelly8376]

Innocent until proven guilty.

[@user-rs4rw6oo3v]

​@@benkelly8376 If he was innocent he would not have resigned!

[@Morningstar-xz5bl]

Paul Connolly is Antifa, needs investigation.

[@okelydokely9984]

Paul Connolly? No comment on him? When will we get chapter and verse? Oh sorry - Newstalk is part of it, is it?. Shameful lot. Hopefully advertisers with an ounce of sense will depart Newstalk after this scandal.

[@fermzy]

TALK ABOUT PAUL CONNOLLY ANTIFA /GOVERNMENT COLLISION???

[@jopmars8168]

Collusion

[@YoutubeChannel-ol7zx]

Is Paul Connolly working today?

[@tulligman]

We don't just talk news,we make news at AntiFM

[@uarthchylde]

So, you're arguing that charges were not brought?

[@kevinhickey3515]

Not losing his £95000 salary though........hilarious system.

[@noelfleming3567]

Biggest joke of all if prosecuted he should lose all titles and pensions but these crooks always win 😮😮😮

[@kevinwillis6707]

This comment section is flooded with paul connolly comments, can someone please explain who he is and what he is supposed to have done for those of us who arent familiar with it?

[@banner1wex]

Even the Orange Order have sent him to the Kinnegad Home For The Bewildered..

[@nigelcouchman9314]

Gerry’Adam’s brother and him must of went to the same school 😂😂😂

[@ruthhorgan3431]

Didn’t Peter Robinson wife Iris(? Have An I’ll advised affair…?

[@martinmcdonald4207]

It would appear they simply can`t help themselves from their very weird and dark private lives.

[@FLYINGTHOR]

Paul Connolly.

[@lesliehall7683]

What do you mean never had this before,what about mrs robinson

[@yagsipcc287]

Very quite on some big news hhmm

[@kevonslims7269]

GB news is talking about a labour member selling a house like it’s the crime of the century, but a NI party leader facing rape charges 🫣

[@janicemcallister3213]

I would like to know why he went to England and left his wife here. I feel he is still being protected because nothing more is being said about him.

[@peterperigoe9231]

Apparently they are both out on bail, two people cannot be out on bail at the same address.

[@janicemcallister3213]

@@peterperigoe9231 I understand this but way go to England and leave his wife here.

[@peterperigoe9231]

@@janicemcallister3213 Hi Janice, I'm not defending the man at all, if the allegations turn out to be true, then there victims and victims should always come first. I was only passing on what I heard on a news interview, that two people cannot be bailed to the same address. Initially it wasn't out their that the woman accused was his wife. Apparently he has a flat in Westminster which he uses as an MP probably sees London as being in the same jurisdiction as the North?

[@colmmcdonnell6256]

@@peterperigoe9231 he probably sees the same opportunity on a bigger scale .his life in Westminster is about to be exposed before this settles down .if the gossip is true it will be headline news for a while.hypocrites always get exposed thankfully we have an odd journalist with some courage to inform the public exactly what and who they are voting for.

[@peterperigoe9231]

@@janicemcallister3213 I really don't know, it seems likely a condition of bail is they have to reside at different addresses and do not communicate with each other if he only has two residences and one is in London out of the media eye, maybe that a reason.

[@liamg1706]

"Sir" Jeffrey don't forget.

[@anonitachi6966]

The Brits do like to reward criminals and rapists.. and the KGB

[@MariaOC1_]

The police wouldn't go forward if there were any doubts.

[@PP-xg1je]

And this is the leader of the dup lol

[@annebuchanan8276]

Not anymore!

[@johnhiggins779]

He should get advice from Andy, he knows how to dodge an arrow.

[@retroarcade3342]

Reminds about a similar story about another Jeffrey...

[@199019852007]

He probably been to island Sir Jeffery

[@jamesdevlin6373]

1st rule of Super Injunctions don't mention Super injunctions 🤥

[@marklanahan7289]

Hows Paul doing?

[@ThranWoman]

If these allegations are true I feel so sorry for the abused. To live with the memories and hurt while it is being played out in the public eye. One can't help but be suspicions about how long authorities have known and was it used for politcal advantage.

[@Angofar]

And he’s the type of Unionist who has spouted his self-righteous so-called Christianity over the years.

[@Mitch-Hendren]

Just like Iris Robinson she got caught out too .

[@martinmcdonald4207]

He and his ilk are not Christians, they are members of their own very dark cult order.

[@markirish7599]

Paul Connolly ☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️

[@josephwindle958]

The allegations relate to his two daughters …apparently just before his daughter got married she confided in her husband who said go to the police.

[@paulinemckee6536]

He sold out Northern Ireland to save his own back he's disgraceful.

[@SnackAttack6]

What about his brother in law Mervyn, was he ever arrested?

[@nonaynever4361]

The west brits are not going to like this.

[@eamonq9535]

Do you mean the Welsh?

[@bumberClart1000]

What goes around comes around

[@RatTerminator]

Hes a Closet UVF member 🇺🇲🇮🇪

[@martinamcgrenaghan9063]

aHow much closet & how much UVF?

[@RatTerminator]

@@martinamcgrenaghan9063 💯

[@brianredmond4919]

Evidence please ?.

[@helenaville5939]

My guess is he's a closet other things too ..... based on his walk for starters.

[@David-qs2jy]

A documentary was made and shelved due to a special injunction the documentary is about Jeffrey and another BBC presenter

[@conlaiarla]

Very interesting.... Now have you sacked Connolly yet?

[@bumberClart1000]

Oh dear

[@Paul-lm6xw]

How is ( Paul connelly ) getting on newstalk , hope he stays safe as ireland 🇮🇪 and its people will deal with him and this irish government in time ⏲️ ! Take Note SF 📝.

[@liamo6889]

Alot of people in positions of power are in those positions cause they are compromised. Tempted by perverse addictions . Catholic church used to work like this when they had power in ireland. What organisations or positions have the power these days.

[@ciaran6309]

Teachers unions

[@redpilledpict2747]

Remember The Kincora Scandal.

[@helenaville5939]

@@redpilledpict2747 That was the |British Establishment's entrapment house, nothing to do with the Catholic Church. Are you new to NI politics?

[@redpilledpict2747]

@@helenaville5939 Yes that was the British Establishment at work. It was an MI5 operation.Nothing to do with the Catholic Church.This was covered up decades ago, but it was certainly well known outside the mainstream media for many years.

[@michaelkilbride2927]

What about the spy connolly

[@ashling6698]

Never liked the man. But innocent until PROVEN guilty

[@kevonslims7269]

Innocent until proven is for the courts and news networks, the court of public opinion dosent have the same standards.

[@ScepticalSkeptic]

Said no woman ever.

[@SimonTimoney-74]

Nonce enabler

[@ashling6698]

@@SimonTimoney-74 I bet you are.

[@ashling6698]

@@ScepticalSkeptic Many do

[@CaminoAir]

Just want to clarify something. I'm Irish. Lived here for 53 of my almost 56 years. Married a Canadian woman. Got targeted systematically by the 'indigenous people' in Clondalkin. Direct violence. Property damage. Intimidation. Threats. You name it. On and on and on. There has always been a section of Irish society who can't, or won't, take responsibility for themselves. Who blame anyone who doesn't conform to their concept of being Irish and who engage in appalling levels of anti-social behaviour (even against the elderly Irish). Quick to anger, lacking in education and insight, falling back on slogan-level thinking. Most of them (in my experience) are the actual problematic element in their own localities. Thankfully (despite encountering further trouble with their type in another county of Ireland in 2017) I've finally gotten away from most of them. Did manage to get one charged and convicted of serious anti-social behaviour last year, which was a bit of a consolation.

[@iaffect]

There isn't a town, village or country in the world that advertises a lack of idiots. Some republicans have no idea what "Republic" means and will never bother to even Google it. Sorry for your troubles friend!

[@mh1784-b2h]

Never mind Donaldson. What about Paul CONNELLY???? The people of Ireland demand to know

[@johnclarke7949]

Same party that sat on Kincora

[@fintonmainz7845]

Sidekick of Enoch Powell

[@geordiewishart1683]

And what?

[@fintonmainz7845]

@@geordiewishart1683 Is Enoch the child molester your hero?

[@Sabhaois]

@@geordiewishart1683and they’re all at it

[@Linesjointspenaltypoints]

Paul Connelly? One of your own. Tell that story

[@billpentelow6941]

Politicians are such lovely people.

[@annmarieohara5778]

Can someone tell me who Paul connelly is

[@thomaswalsh5296]

Waffle

[@pml5164]

He never seemed the type, either 👀

[@MichaelHealey-kh7rn]

A fine and upstanding member of Parliament wot a joke no marching n attending bonfires😂

[@jamesdaly4040]

Was Ian Paisley jnr not involved in scandal?

[@murpho999]

No as he was away on holidays.

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

​@@murpho999😂🇮🇪💚

[@saoirseclarnimhuiris7910]

What are the extradition laws in the Mauritius, a wee bit more than jet lag to recover from there!🇮🇪💚

[@frankjessop4677]

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson once again let down by the system now if he were a Prince He would have nothing to worry about make's One Wonder where's is the cutoff point when it comes to Accountability

[@newsflash2691]

Get Paul Connolly on the job .....if you can find him

[@johnnyboy4711]

News talk should face charges of incitement Paul Connolly

[@paulinemckee6536]

Who is Paul Connelly.

[@johnnyboy4711]

@@paulinemckee6536 news talk reporter inciting far right extremism,or trying to at a peaceful protest

[@jackkelly335]

Did he avail of the hospitality of the "Lolita Express" along with the rest of them? 🤔

[@km-su4jk]

So when's the rebrand to AntifaTalk. You know your credibility is down the toilet with this, right?

[@uarthchylde]

So, you're arguing that charges were not brought?

[@km-su4jk]

@uarthchylde my comment is in regard to newstalks links to antifa, organising protests creating false flags etc.

[@RJH1971]

@@km-su4jk 🤣🤣 keep drinking the miwadi

[@collydub1987]

He who shouts loudest...

[@markscott923]

Will Sir Jeffrey visit Higgins to get a merit badge.

[@williamkelly9859]

Well he led a despicable party but the man is innocent. Don't judge people until a legal process has been gone through. If he is found guilty, then talk about that.politically the d.u.p.has always been rotten.

[@aarondaly12]

Any news on Paul Connolly

[@clifficus]

Jimmy Saville didn’t fix him, 😃😃

[@moonlightshadow2664]

I'll keep an open mind on this , irrespective of who is making the allegations, whether it's family or non family. I'm dubious about many historical allegations of this nature and let's face it ,people can say anything, and it's their word against yours at the end of the day. Also, there are a multitude of potential reasons somebody could make accusations, mental health issues, revenge for something else, to destroy a reputation, political reasons, or just plain badness. As people who've ever been a victim of lies and fraud, will surely know!

[@collette6103]

It is also his WIFE!!!!

[@geoffpoole483]

The evidence will be tested in court.

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

​@collette6103 if newstalk are involved it could be manufactured as, the recovery of one of their thugs phone in coolock would suggest...interesting stuff on Paul Connollys phone apparently..or the fascist Connolly..apparently he was masked. The Fascist Connolly was with Antifa who are Anti Fascist Fascists and British islamists and other undesirables.. thankfully the locals made them run

[@ac6094]

Sorry but you don't sound too open minded... stating you are dubious on historical accusations, saying could be multitude of personal reasons why accusation being made, people are victims of fraud etc! Do you really think the PSNI would not only question but lay 11 CHARGES on a person with this profile if it was just a revengeful personal spiteful vendetta?

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

@ac6094 possibly...they would do this. At this stage, we don't trust the media...Paul Connolly who works for newstalk, proved how right we are not too.. where his phone was..recovered. we certainly don't trust the psni or gardai..who are ran by the same people. Of course, we question this.

[@ja1756]

This is a very difficult situation for the DUP.

[@gerard1965able]

Managed to last to a minute fifty one seconds,Zzzzzzzzzzzzz,there's more to life.

[@nendoroiddancing7361]

He lost power so people coming out

[@David-qs2jy]

It's written on the walls in Belfast common knowledge

[@shauncorless8965]

Bounty happen😅

[@brianredmond4919]

Not a great fan of jeffery but innocent until proven guilty. Amazing how many people who know nothing about him seem to somehow know everything about him.

[@Judgementday-qp1ol]

The Orange Order Mocking song of the murder of a young Christian Lady,, and now this?? When is Enough is Enough??? When is

[@geordiewishart1683]

Papist. Not Christian

[@Judgementday-qp1ol]

@geordiewishart1683 Catholic is the Original Christian, your People sold your faith to Henry 8th

[@germccrory5987]

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE RC CLERGY AND WORSE STILL THE WORLD WIDE COVER UP AND EXPENCE $$$€€€£££

[@Shay-bp7yt]

Thats a part of their Kulture.

[@philsophkenny]

😮

[@barbarashaw-qw3vz]

Yet again, allegations of sexual misconduct? Don't people think it is coincidental and strange that anyone in power who they want out, are chargedwith this allegations.

[@Castlelong333]

The lord haw - haw of today, P K ,

[@michaelmckibbin9665]

The diddler

[@TeeTee-zm2re]

What did he do?

[@ericpowell194]

He is innocent till proven different

[@user-ux4km9uy8v]

no smoke with out a fire

[@livershot940]

Eric wise up you clown 🤡

[@kevonslims7269]

The court of public opinion dosent operate by that standard.

[@davidtkocz8356]

Unlike Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon who were treated as guilty despite one being cleared of 14 charges and the other not even being charged.

[@joprocter4573]

Are they sure cps or whoever processes isnt a republican bias.do we trust our civil servants lately called into question.as for legal matters no comments. trial by media is wrong.

[@jamesdevlin6373]

It doesn't sound like his accuser is Republican. 🤔 No doubt you have no problem with Gerry Adams brother's conviction for a similar offence .

[@geordiewishart1683]

Public Prosecution Service operates in Northern Ireland. Not the Crown Prosecution Service. Because dear forbid Irish nationalists are reminded that Northern Irish is British. In England and Wales, the police seek authority from the Crown Prosecution Service before they charge someone. But in Northern Ireland, the police charge on their own authority. But the charges faced in actual court never to be approved by the Public Prosecution Service before the case can proceed. So so doubt the PPS have even become involved yet.

[@anniegrath1417]

Joe can we have that in English please!

[@joprocter4573]

@@anniegrath1417 or irish

[@anniegrath1417]

@@joprocter4573 ah Joe you have a serious problem putting two sentences together in the kings English, so please don’t insult the Irish by trying to speak their language. I see you’re still defending that bad bad man!

[@neilisagum]

The question is did Donaldson actually do these disgusting things or is Newstalk just saying he did so they can have a story to tell.

[@filthyusratus]

Ask his daughter and niece 😢

[@MrStoneyburke]

If Sir Jeffrey Donaldson did not do these disgusting things,then is this a case of wrongful arrest and of mistaken identity by his daughter and niece ?

[@filthyusratus]

@@MrStoneyburke 🤣🤣 yep.his daughter and niece would hardly recognise him

[@audspod1]

This is a Republic of Ireland broadcast so it's obviously going to condemn Donaldson!!

[@aor3220]

Pfft southern media are usually too gentle with unionist politicians

[@blow0me]

Very unusual. But Stormont is rife with convicted criminals and terrorists, so anything Jeffery is alleged to have done, is way down the scale. But the whole thing is very odd. First little Leo resigns down south, then Jeffery in Northern Ireland.

[@Magpie6639]

A man is innocent until proven guilty. All will be revealed in the Trial, my gut instinct is that he is innocent,although I may be wrong. Let the legal process take its course.

[@bernardmclarnon6613]

What planet are you living on just wondering

[@Zionism_Is_Filth]

⛔ How does that surprises anyone? When and in which country can one see a decent FarRight politician?

[@filthyusratus]

Imagine he did this to his own family